Due to the limitation of freshwater resources and quality loss of soils, the use of halophyte plants is inevitable. Halophyte species such as purslane (Portulaca oleracea) are one of the important and rich sources of different metabolites, however, very few studies have been done in this regard. The application of metal nanoparticles in improving plant growth characteristics and also knowing the threshold of using these nanoparticles can lead to plant growth and development. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the effect of manganese oxide (Mn2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NPs) on biochemical attributes and plant growth of purslane in a controlled condition based on a balanced completely random design. The treatments included Mg and Mn nanoparticles in three concentrations: 10, 100, and 500 mg L-1, bulk metal Mg and Mn in three concentrations of 10, 100, and 500 mg L-1, and a control treatment. The results showed that nano treatments had a significant effect on the concentration of phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, quercetin, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), total fresh weight, and total dry weight. Except for quercetin, the results indicated a positive effect of Mg and Mn, especially in the form of nanoparticles, on the quality and quantity of purslane plants. Increasing the concentration of Mg and Mn metals in nanoparticle form did not increase IC50, however, it was associated with an increase in this index in bulk form, which indicates a decrease in the negative effect of metals in nanoparticle form. Considering the salinization of water and soil resources and the importance of preventing environmental pollution, the use of Mg and Mn nanoparticles on halophyte species is very important; which requires more research.

Light is an important ecological signal that controls several biological processes in plants. Therefore, the goal of the present investigation was to quantify the impacts of three LED lighting treatments (red, blue, and white) on phytochemical yields production of Portulaca oleracea L. Red, blue, and white 9 W LED bulb (pack of 10, voltage 90 V) were used for the treatment of cultured seeds in the greenhouse and the distance between the light source and the plant was 40 cm. Then, the HPLC method was used to determine the flavonoid compounds in the obtained extract. Saponin content assay was performed using the vanillin-sulfuric acid procedure. The concentration of soluble tannin was calculated based on the standard curve of different concentrations of pure tannic acid. Chlorophylls and carotenoid contents and proteolysis were assessed by spectrophotometric methods. We suggest that the blue and white spectrums can be applied instead of sunlight for the increment of flavonoids in Portulaca oleracea. We also observed that the saponin and tannin contents increased in plants treated with red and blue diodes. Red spectrum could considerably increase the photosynthetic contents (Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl (a + b)) and carotenoid contents compared to other lights spectra. Red and white had a significant impact on the reduction of proteolysis in this plant. Understanding the molecular mechanism behind the flavonoid pathway, photosynthetic activity, and proteolysis process of the Portulaca oleracea plant will aid to select the ideal plant with the desired health and dietary requirements.

Crude oil contamination is a serious threat to the environment and human health as it can contaminate food chains. Therefore, it is necessary to find efficient tests to monitor soils for crude oil contamination. The present study investigates the efficacy of Vicia faba seeds for monitoring contaminated soils with light crude oil. Vicia faba seeds were planted in 0 (control), 1, 2, and 4 percentages (weight percentage) light crude oil-contaminated soils. The seed germination and root length were measured to evaluate phytotoxicity, while the mitotic index, chromosome aberrations, and micronucleus formation in the root tip cells were examined for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests. The results showed that light crude oil had toxic effects on Vicia faba growth characteristics, even at 1% contamination. The phytotoxicity assay showed that crude oil reduced seed germination and root length by 45% and 61.67%, respectively. In contrast, cellular observations indicated an increase in mitotic index, chromosome aberrations, and micronucleus formation up to 3, 3.59, and 5.6 times, respectively, compared to the control. The light crude oil at 4% induced the simultaneous occurrence of nuclear bud, polyploidy, and micronucleus that may be considered as severe clastogenic and aneugenic effects. Accordingly, Vicia faba can be considered a reliable living system for monitoring light crude oil pollution in soils, even at low concentrations.

Celiac disease (CD) is a hereditary immune-mediated disorder, which is along with the enormous production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the reduced level of tight junction proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-18, Occludin, miR-122-5p and miR-197-3p genes in duodenal biopsies of treated CD patients in comparison to the controls. Biopsy specimens were taken from the duodenum of 50 treated CD patients (36 (72

Cota tinctoria is a medicinal plant which has been used for management of cancer in folk medicine of various regions. The aim of present study is to investigate cytotoxic activity of different concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of C. tinctoria flowers on gastric (AGS) and liver (Hep-G2) cancer cell lines as well as Human Natural GUM fibroblast (HUGU) cells. Cell mortality rates were examined after 24, 48 and 72 h incubations using the MTT assay. IC50 of extract on AGS cells after 24, 48 and 72h was 1.46, 1.29 and 1.14 µg/mL respectively. The extract demonstrated IC50 of 5.15, 3.92 and 2.89 µg/mL on Hep-G2 cells after 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. No cytotoxic effect was detected on HUGU (Human Natural GUM fibroblast) cells. C. tinctoria seems to have a promising potential to be considered as a source for anticancer drug discovery. However, more experimental and clinical studies are required.

Impressive progress in developing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offers a new dimension for meeting agricultural and biological expectations. The present study addresses how tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings respond to the different spectral qualities of LEDs (white, red, blue, and blue + red). The light treatments in a wavelength-dependent manner contributed to the variations in biomass accumulation, morphology, and organogenesis pattern. Light quality epigenetically contributed to the transcriptional regulation of the histone deacetylase (HDA3) gene. The expression of WRKY53 transcription factor and gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-TP1) genes displayed a similar upward trend in response to the blue wavelength. On the contrary, the sole red light downregulated the WRKY53 and GABA-TP1 genes. The blue irradiation was associated with the upregulation in the glycolate oxidase (GLO2) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase‑oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) genes, while the red wavelength down-regulated the GLO2 and rbcL genes. Moreover, rbcL statistically correlated with GLO2, referring to the balanced regulation of photorespiration and the Calvin cycle. The blue wavelengths were more capable of improving the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and proline. The seedlings grown under the white LEDs displayed the maximum activity of the catalase enzyme. The cultivation of tomato seedlings under the blue lights enhanced the activities of the superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes. The light treatments were associated with the variation in the nutritional status of K+ and Ca2+ in both leaves and roots. The presented findings and inferences support the potential contribution of WRKY53, HDA3, and GABA signaling in modulating plant responses to light quality.

Persian hogweed (Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fischer) is native to Iran but was introduced to Europe as an invasive plant. It has medicinal and edible values. Its fruits have been used to relieve flatulence, stomach aches as well as a flavoring as a digestive and an antiseptic. This medicinal plant forms many geographical populations in the country, particularly in mountainous regions; however, we have no data on the genetic structure and genetic diversity of this plant species. Such information can be used in gene pool identification and future genetic conservation and breeding programs. Therefore, the present study was performed with the following aims: 1- Provide data on genetic diversity of geographical populations, 2- Identify the potential gene pools for future genetic conservation and breeding programs. We used both Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and the Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) molecular markers as these are suitable molecular markers for genetic diversity investigations. There are highly polymorphic, reproducible, and relatively low cost markers. The present study revealed that both ISSR and SCoT markers produce data on the genetic variability and genetic affinity of the local populations. Both molecular markers revealed a good level of genetic variability within and among Heracleum persicum populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) produced a significant differences between geographical populations for both markers. We could identify few ISSR as well as SCoT bands which can differentiate the studied populations. The moderate to a good level of genetic diversity we observed within each H. persicum may be due to cross pollination. In conclusion, we suggest using combination of ISSR and SCoT molecular markers to study population genetic variability in H. persicum geographical populations for future genetic conservation and germplasm collection of this medicinal plant.

Behzadifar F., S. J. Marandi, A. Majd, F. Salimpour, S. Arbabian (2021). Genetic diversity analysis of the medicinal plant Heracleum persicum desf. ex fischer. -Genetika, Vol 53, No.2, 757-768. Persian hogweed (Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fischer) is native to Iran but was introduced to Europe as an invasive plant. It has medicinal and edible values. Its fruits have been used to relieve flatulence, stomach aches as well as a flavoring as a digestive and an antiseptic. This medicinal plant forms many geographical populations in the country, particularly in mountainous regions; however, we have no data on the genetic structure and genetic diversity of this plant species. Such information can be used in gene pool identification and future genetic conservation and breeding programs. Therefore, the present study was performed with the following aims: 1-Provide data on genetic diversity of geographical populations, 2-Identify the potential gene pools for future genetic conservation and breeding programs. We used both Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and the Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) molecular markers as these are suitable molecular markers for genetic diversity investigations. There are highly polymorphic, reproducible, and relatively low cost markers. The present study revealed that both ISSR and SCoT markers produce data on the genetic variability and genetic affinity of the local populations. Both molecular markers revealed a good level of genetic variability within and among Heracleum persicum populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) produced a significant differences between geographical populations for both markers. We could identify few ISSR as well as SCoT bands which can differentiate the studied populations. The moderate to a good level of genetic diversity we observed within each H. persicum may be due to cross pollination. In conclusion, we suggest using combination of ISSR and SCoT molecular markers to study population genetic variability in H. persicum geographical populations for future genetic conservation and germplasm collection of this medicinal plant.

Background:Testicular function depends on temperature, and it has been shown that scrotal hyperthermia causes a sharp decrease in sperm parameters due to oxidative stress. In recent years, the use of natural materials from the plant and nanoparticles has attracted much attention. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin and Fe2O3 nanoparticles on sperm parameters in rats.Materials and Methods:After preparing the rats, they were placed in a hot water bath at 43°C for 30 minutes for six consecutive days. The 48 rats were then divided into eight groups. A concentration of 0.03 mg/kg body weight magnetic Fe2O3 nanoparticles and curcumin at the concentration of 0.02 mg/kg body weight were used. After killing animals, the semen parameters such as viability, concentration, motility, and morphology of sperm were studied.Results:Significant differences were observed in all groups of rats in terms of semen parameters (P<0.001). The results showed a positive effect of curcumin on improving semen parameters in scrotal hyperthermia rats and a negative and toxic effect of Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles. However, significant improvement in sperm parameters was observed when Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles were given to rats along with curcumin.Conclusion:Curcumin has a positive and significant effect on improving sperm parameters in scrotal hyperthermia conditions. Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles, if co-administered with curcumin, can significantly improve sperm parameters. In this regard, green synthesis of nanoparticles and concomitant administration of antioxidants such as curcumin in scrotal hyperthermia conditions is recommended.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), is one of the most important and broadly used vegetables in the world. Ultrasound is widely used in medicine and biotechnology. At the right frequency and exposure period, these waves have desired effects. In the present study, 2-week-old plants, obtained from the seeds of cucumber, were put in an ultrasonic bath with a nominal frequency of 40 kHz, a central frequency of 34/722 kHz and a bandwidth of 320 Hz for 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes.Then, hypocotyl pieces were used as explants. To obtain appropriate conditions for callus formation, the explants were placed in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l each of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1-Naphthalene acetic acid and 6-Benzylaminopurine. The mature somatic embryos at the torpedo stage were isolated and encapsulated using sodium alginate to produce artificial seeds. The seeds were transferred to the greenhouse and turned into plants. The use of ultrasonication at a nominal frequency of 40 kHz for 10 minutes showed better results as compared with the samples treated for 0, 5 and 15 minutes, in terms of the shape, maturity of the embryos, and also the germination of artificial seeds and maturing to flowering stages. Since the cucumber variety Dastgerd Esfahan is famous for its aroma and taste and it is somewhat at risk of extinction, we studied the production of artificial seeds of this plant. According to the literature review, there is no study on the effects of ultrasound on embryogenesis and artificial seed production in cucumber.

Sporogenesis and gametophytes development in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) was studied. Arabidopsis thaliana was selected for this study as a biogenetic model with a small genome and a short life cycle. Flowers and buds in different developmental stages were removed, fixed in an FAA70, stored in 70 % ethanol, embedded in paraffin and sectioned at 7 − 10 µm with a microtome, stained with Hematoxylin – Eosin and analyzed with a photomicroscope. The results showed the anthers are tetrasporangiate, anther tapetum is of secretory type at the beginning and plasmodial at the end of anther development. Also, microspore tetrads are tetrahedral and rarely tetragonal. In addition, mature pollen grains are spherical, tricolporate, scabrate, and tricellular. The gynoecium is bicarpellate and the ovule is amphitropous, bitegmic, and tenuinucellate. Hypostasis was also observed in basis of nucellus. Endothelium is composed of one cell row and cell divisions of megaspore mother cell results in T-shaped tetrad. The chalazal cell is a functional megaspore that survives and functions in megagametophyte development. The embryo sac development belonged to the Polygonum type and it is curved. The mature embryo sac is composed of 7 cells, one central cell containing polar nuclei, two elongated synergids, a triangular oosphere cell, and three antipodal cells that are degenerated immediately by developing the embryogenesis stage in the mature embryo.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), a popular vegetable crop of the family Cucurbitaceae, is cultivated in different parts of the world and is of great economic importance. Ultrasound is known as a physical stimulus that can affect living systems. At the right frequency and exposure period, these waves have desired effects. In the present study, 2-week-old plants, were put in an ultrasonic bath with a nominal frequency of 40 kHz, a central frequency of 34/722 kHz and a bandwidth of 320 Hz for 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes. Hypocotyl pieces were used as explants and cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0/5 mg/l each of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1-Naphthalene acetic acid, kinetin and 6-benzylaminopurine. The use of ultrasonication at a nominal frequency of 40 kHz for 10 minutes showed better results as compared with the samples treated for 0, 5 and 15 minutes, in terms of the shape, maturity of the embryos, and also the germination of artificial seeds and maturing to flowering stage. Since the cucumber of Esfahan is very famous for its aroma and taste and it is somewhat at risk of extinction, we studied the production of artificial seeds of this valuable plant using somatic embryos and apical buds. This research is the first report on investigation of the positive effect of ultrasound on somatic embryogenesis and artificial seed production. our results clearly showed that this method is a practical method to accelerate seed germination and flowering stage.

The highly sensitive impedimetric biosensor in label free approach for hepatitis B virus DNA (HPV DNA) detection based on tellurium doped ZnO nanowires was fabricated. The NWs were grown by hybrid thin film oxidation in the physical vapor deposition (PVD) mechanism. The morphology characterization of the synthesized NWs was performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the images demonstrated that the diameter and the length of the materialized NWs were around 50 nm and several micrometers, respectively. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image indicated that the fabricated NWs were crystalline and their phase characterization was validated by the X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD pattern). The single-stranded DNA (ss DNA) probe was immobilized on the surface of the Te-ZnO NWs. The electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) measurements showed high response sensitivity after hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides. The biosensor could distinguish complementary target from non-complementary and mismatch oligonucleotides. The HBV biosensor could respond to complementary target in the concentrations range from 1 pM to 1 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) of the biosensor was 0.1 pM. The stability of the HBV DNA biosensor was investigated and biosensor could show 95% of its initial responses after 8 weeks maintenance.

Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) is one of the most important crop plants widely cultivated in different parts of the world. Several wild or cultivated populations of it grow in various regions of Iran. In the current research, we evaluated morphological and molecular SSR methods in order to investigate infraspecific variations in this species and introduce possible phenotypes/genotypes among its populations. For this, 14 populations were selected from different parts of the country. We evaluated 27 qualitative and quantitative morphological traits of both reproductive and vegetative organs. The ANOVA test revealed significant variations for most of the quantitative variables; moreover, qualitative features differed among populations. Significant correlations were found between some morphological characteristics with ecological factors of habitats. According to the UPGMA tree, four morphotypes existed among these populations. CA-joined plot revealed that each group was identified by some morphological variables. In addition, parameters of genetic diversity varied among the studied populations, while the AMOVA test showed significant variations, most of which belonged to the variations within the population. According to the UPGMA tree, MDS and PCoA plots, the studied populations were divided into four distinct genotypes. In addition, the UPGMA tree based on Nei genetic diversity and Structure analyses confirmed these groups. Three groups were monotypic and the fourth was composed of eleven populations. Patterns of population clustering based on the morphological traits were not similar to those of SSR data. Therefore we concluded that environmental factors had strong effects on the population’s phenotype and genotypes were not recognized by their phenotypes.

In this paper, the stable and reproducible tellurium doped ZnO nanowires (Te-ZnO NWs) photodetector with intensive responsively is presented. The Te-ZnO NWs were fabricated by physical vapor deposition (PVD) growth mechanism. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images showed that the fabricated nanowires were 50 nm in diameter and several microns in length. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy indicated that the synthesized nanowires were crystalline and their phase characterization was validated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photoluminescence (PL) studies of these nanowires showed a strong photoluminescence (PL) emission peak in the green region. It was verified that the optical band gap of the NWs films increased as the Te concentration increased. The photo-conducting measurements were performed under field effect transistor principles. The tellurium doped ZnO nanowires photodetector showed the dynamic response of an on/off current contrast ratio of around 10(2). The carrier concentrations change in the fixed gate voltage was increased by 1.27 x 10(18) cm(-3) after 500 nm wavelength light illumination. The photocurrent studies of the samples showed that tellurium doped ZnO nanowires were the suitable photodetector.

Ficus carica L. is a species of Moraceae family that has been cultivated in different parts of the world from ancient time. Its fruit is eaten by human and has several medicinal properties. This species widely grows and cultivated in various parts of Iran. For this, in the current study, we investigated infraspecific genetic variation and population structure of F. carica in the country. 14 natural populations of F. carica were collected and their genomic DNA were extracted and tested with RAPD molecular technique. Parameters of population’s genetic diversity varied among the studied populations. In addition, AMOVA test revealed significant variations among the populations. The studied populations clustered separately in UPGMA tree of RAPD data, moreover PCA and MDS plots produced similar results. STRUCTURE analysis revealed the best number of k = 9. Based on Nei’s genetic distance, we had nine distinct groups. Genetic clustering patterns according to UPGMA trees of RAPD data and Nei’s genetic distance were more similar with the results of STRUCTURE analysis. The small amount of Nm) the product of the effective size of individual populations (N) and the rate of migration among them (m) (value showed limited gene flow among the studied populations, therefore it seems that high genetic variations among these populations may be related less or few amount of gene exchange among populations.

In this study, the antioxidant activity and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles of ethanolic extracted from the seeds of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch was investigated for the first time. B. persicum is a local plant of Iran and the antioxidant activity of this plant was studied using the DPPH method and shows notable results in scavenging the free radicals. Antioxidant activity of extract checked in comparison to BHT. IC50 of B. persicum respectively was 1000 mg/mL; revealing a notable antioxidant effect. Another experiment was performed on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in this plant extract. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in B. persicum was confirmed by the Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analysis (EDX) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ag NPs were almost spherical in shape, with an average diameter of 51 nm. Results showed significant antioxidant effects that cause the formation of spherical silver nanoparticles with nearly homological size in this plant and can be used as the basis of medical studies in the future.

The histological structure of the anthers and developmental processes of the male and female gametophytes in Ocimum basilicum L. were studied for the first time. To study developmental stages of the flower, young flowers and buds at different developmental stages were embedded in paraffin, sliced with a microtome and analyzed using a photomicroscope. It was observed that sporogenous meristem is formed as a result of cellular divisions in tunica and corpus regions. The initial ring (IR) activities remarkably decreased. Successive divisions in the peripheral and surface regions of sporogenous meristem results in the stamens primordia. Petals were grown from the peripheral parts of the region. Stamens were tetrasporangiate and cytokinesis in microsporocyte is simultaneous. The tetrads were also tetrahedral and the tapetum is of the secretory type. The mature pollen grain was three-celled and composed of a vegetative cell and two sperms. The ovary in O. basilicum was observed to be hypogynous, quadri-locular with several ovules in each loculus. The ovules were anatropous, unitegmic, and tenuinucellate. Finally, the embryo sac development belonged to the Polygonum type.

Fluoride is a toxic solution for the nature and enters environment from different sources. Aluminum industry is the most important source of fluoride which empties to the nature as sodium fluoride, hydrogen fluoride, gas components of fluoride and fluoride particles causing damaging effects on plants, animals and the humans. In this research, toxic effect of sodium fluoride as a nature pollutant has been examined on bean Phaseolus vulgaris. At first, bean seeds were exposed to different concentrations of sodium fluoride (0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/100 cc water) while three other treatments put aside because of high toxicity of the solution and anti-germinative effects in these concentrations. In the second stage, we applied new solutions with concentrations of 0.5, 0.8 and 1.2 mg/l sodium fluoride for germination and tilling the seeds, and just watered the controls. In vegetative phase, damaging effects of NaF during daily irrigation were observed as necrosis, chlorosis and wounds on leaf blade, early senescence and plants fading. Increase in root and shoot length and decrease in generation rate and root ramification also could be attributed to NaF. Delay in transition of shoot apex from vegetation phase to generation phase was another observed effect of fluoride treatment.